My love of Mallorca was cemented in this moment; Driving through the Mallorca mountains, down a winding one-track road. We parked amongst the hills on a whim, starting to walk following a barely visible arrow. Then out of nowhere the sea spread before us, an idyllic cove with two restaurants of sunset-watchers overlooking the beautiful turquoise sea. Sitting on the rocks staring at the scenery, bathing in the beautiful Mediterranean, sipping an Aperol playing cards to a soundscape like no other. This trip was an adventure into slow Mediterranean living – and the moments it offers you.

In this guide I’m sharing the best places to stay, eat, relax & recharge. Hotels that feel like home, and ones that show you what home could feel like. Food like nothing you have eaten before, art, candy in every vegetable bite… food to savour. Coffee shops for the digital nomads amongst us, and yoga studios that give you a glimpse into the spiritual and active part of the island. Places to explore that will inspire, and beaches to visit that give you the magic Mallorca offers if you slow down and let it.

Where to Stay

Lean into the Slow Mornings with Son Moli Country House

The hotel Son Moli is in the countryside of Mallorca, 15 minutes outside of Palma in the ‘pla’ which is known as the orchard of Palma because of the many citrus trees that live there too. The entrance to the hotel sets the scene, beautifully manicured with a palm tree lined walkway inviting you in. The service is exceptional from the second you make first contact; the reception team organising your stay as you are welcomed by friendly staff with a drink in the main courtyard. 

The hotel is all about relaxation, encouraging the guests to lean into slower mornings, days by the beautiful garden pool, farm-to-table dinners and the daily comforts the hotel offers. Staying here for a few nights I saw this language translate off the page into the experience of the guests I was staying amongst. All of whom looked noticeably more relaxed leaving than they did on arrival. I too class myself amongst these guests. Having access to the city of Palma in just 15 minutes with the ability to retreat to the countryside is a gift this hotel offers. 

The food at Son Moli is special, thoughtful and unique on each day of the stay. Every morning the chef goes to the market and picks out the best, in season ingredients and the dinner menu reflects this excursion. With the sunset casting candy floss pink across the sky, we sat in the courtyard on our first evening to enjoy a delicious 3 course meal. A  zucchini, goats cheese & pine-nut salad followed by ratatouille, enjoyed with local Majorcan wine. Fresh, local and absolutely delicious. 

When you’re not enjoying the restaurant at Son Moli, or using the bedside buzzer at the pool to order an iced latte or a cocktail, you can explore the grounds. The hotel has a tennis court steps away from the main courtyard you can use, along with yoga mats to set-up in the garden or bring to the weekly yoga class offered. 

At Son Moli, you quickly feel at home. As a couple, with the family, little ones, or with your four-legged friends. All is welcome at Son Moli, to enjoy the perfect relaxing getaway.

Experience the most Romantic Hideaway at Mirabó de Valldemossa 

Perched in the hills overlooking the picturesque town of Valldemossa, Mirabó de Valldemossa is one of the most romantic hotels I have stepped foot in. Turning off the main road to the town and driving up a windy track until the trees clear and the air is crisper, you come to the hotel Mirabó, meaning ‘beautiful view’. The entrance sets the tone, as you feel like everything is quieter, and each noise comes into focus: the leaves blowing, birds chirping, the slow steps of the mountain goats from all directions. This continues into how the guests behave, whispering quietly as to not disturb the incredible peace this environment offers. A silent unspoken agreement, that adds to the romance of the place. The hotel is understated but with every detail perfected; a kitchen you can feel at home at, with a fridge full of drinks and snacks you can take at leisure, and note down on a scroll of paper. The dinner menu propped up for you to write down what you would like that evening for the chef. 

We wove through the building, past the incredible stone wine store, up some small stairs and through a door that opened into our bedroom where traditional Mallorca design, meets sleek modernism. A sandy coloured cement floor with beautiful wood walls and panelled ceilings. Out onto a private terrace, and up a flight of stairs to a large balcony with sweeping views. A short walk up to the pool, with an infinity edge that felt all the more magical every time a mountain goat hopped up to take a sip. Then down to the outdoor eating area with seats facing the magical town of Valldemossa (one of the joys of the hotel’s location is it’s proximity to this town).The food was incredible, we started with light nibbles and a glass of local red wine, followed by a ratatouille of slow-stewed summer vegetables, a vibrant Mallorcan salad layered with local produce, and a fragrant vegetable paella.

A place for connection, relaxation and easy exploration to the part of the island I loved the most; Deià, Sóller, Valldemossa.  This hotel is one I’ll remember forever; the perfect romantic getaway.

Experience a cityscape, with food to die for at the luxurious Can Bordoy House & Gardens.

A 5 star boutique hotel located in Palma’s old town, Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden is a sanctuary from the bustling city. Not far from the port, and close to the main shopping, you enter the hotel down a small street where you go through an open courtyard and into the main reception. There are 24 suites in the house, each unique, with a rooftop terrace to plunge in the pool, and watch the sunset over Mallorca’s city. One unique feature for this hotel is their magical “secret garden” the largest private garden in the city centre. Here you have a heated outdoor pool, and loungers, and the famous Botanic restaurant, for me, the calling card of this hotel. 

Botanic offers plant-forward gastronomy, the art of vegetables in their most delicious thoughtful form. Their courtyard dining sets the scene; romantic sweeping greenery and pebbles underfoot, a water fountain adding to the soundscape. The soft against the swish, with refined decor and fine-dining service. I tried Chef Andrés Benitez famous tasting menu. To start pita bread with dip from India to Mallorca; Spicy sauce of tomato of ramaellet, Apricot chutney from Porrers, Majorcan yoghurt. A pita-dip in essence sounds standard to many restaurants, which is why experiencing it like this feels all the more elevated. Two delicate appetisers of the day arrived first, a zucchini flower special and a refreshing cucumber bite. Next came the eggplant, parmigiana-style, paired with polenta, ratatouille, and a drizzle of cane honey. A standout was the tomato course: marinated in olive oil, served with its own tartare, and presented as a large tomato cloaked in a delicate tomato sorbet-like droplets. For the main, sweet corn took centre stage in a silky sauce with creamy purée, a crisp potato terrine, and fine slices of zucchini. Dessert was a bright finale of passion fruit sponge topped with beetroot granita. 

Food-as-art, but not too beautiful to eat, because you must devour and enjoy every mouthful here.

 Where to Eat

There are almost too many spots to choose from in Mallorca that have glowing reviews; but these are in my opinion the ones you can’t miss.

In Palma there is Mouna, a 100% organic field to table restaurant. The food is creative, and the transformation of the simple carrot is otherworldly. The restaurant is chic, and the ambience is wonderful. Located on a vibrant square in the heart of Palma. If “organic” and “plant based” isn’t for the whole party, this restaurant won’t disappoint. A few other spots in central Palma include; El Camino or OMBU for tapas, Ca n’Ela for vegan cuisine, and worth a mention again Botanic for fine dining. 

The town of Deiá is home to Nama an asian fusion restaurant with a breathtaking view. A regular sharing menu, and plant based sharing menu, this restaurant has it all. We had a selection of dishes, and all were a hit, in particular I recommend their vegan enoki mushrooms, signature pad Thai and panang curry & roti. Though, truly at Nama, you can’t go wrong.  If you want a fine dining experience in Deià, the famous El Olivo is next door at the Belmond, a romantic restaurant that has taken the internet by storm. And one, that you absolutely must book in advance.

For the perfect combination of vibrant brunch spot, great coffee and good co-working head to Cafe Batx in Palma. It became an almost-daily jaunt. Other good coffee shops include; La Molienda (two great locations in Palma, and one in Pollença). And a final coffee shop worth the visit is Barbaflorida cafè in Valldemossa, breathtaking views over a matcha. 

Where to Relax and Recharge:

In Palma visit Sadhana Works, a space for yoga, sound baths and other movement events. I experienced Day Gomez’s sound bath here and only wished I had found this spot sooner to experience some of the yoga teachers. Nearby Yoga Del Mar offers outdoor classes on their Outdoor Yoga Platform by the Ocean.

Spend days at the beautiful beaches: Formentor beach is iconic for its white sand and turquoise waters, Cala Deià for a more rustic cove with two overhanging restaurants and bars to enjoy the scenery, Es Trenc is famous with a Caribbean-feel, and Portals Nous or Illetas is perfectly family friendly.

Towns to explore:

Visit the towns that make Mallorca so special. In the mountains, Deià enchants with its bohemian spirit and the hidden cove of Cala Deià. Nearby is Valldemossa  with it’s cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and village bunting. A short drive away or via the wooden vintage train from Palma is Sóller with it’s boutiques shops and vibrant square and Port de Sóller with a promenade of restaurants..In the north, Pollensa tempts with its artisan shops and the climb up the Calvari Steps for sweeping island views, while neighboring Alcúdia preserves its medieval walls and Roman ruins, opening out to wide sandy beaches beyond.